By: John S. Morlu II, CPA
Let’s get this straight: Sri Lanka is not a beggar nation. It’s a blessing that the world keeps underestimating.
And like many beautiful, wounded things — it’s been used, abused, admired, and ignored. But let the record show: the world needs Sri Lanka. Economically. Spiritually. Strategically. Culturally.
And this time, the island is allowed to say it out loud.
1. Geography: The World’s Shortcut and Speedbump
Sri Lanka is the navel of the Indian Ocean.
- 30 major international shipping lanes pass within 10 nautical miles of its coast.
- Over 60,000 cargo vessels sail by annually.
- Whoever controls Sri Lanka’s waters… gets a say in global trade.
That’s why India wants influence. Why China signed a 99-year lease. Why the U.S. keeps checking its military “access.” Why Russia, Japan, and the EU show up with “development” aid.
In short: If Sri Lanka sneezes, supply chains catch a cold.
What’s often overlooked is that Sri Lanka isn’t just a pit stop. It’s a strategic launchpad. Any country with geopolitical ambitions in the Indo-Pacific must have Sri Lanka on speed dial.
2. Climate and Biodiversity: Earth’s Natural Treasure Chest
In terms of biodiversity per square kilometer, Sri Lanka ranks among the top 5 countries on Earth.
- 26.5% of all flowering plants are endemic.
- Home to over 100 species of mammals, including the rare Sri Lankan leopard.
- One of the few places on Earth where you can surf, safari, and sip tea — all in one day.
With 16 distinct agro-ecological zones, Sri Lanka is a climate scientist’s dream. It’s a living laboratory for how the world can balance agriculture with ecology, tourism with conservation, and development with green growth.
But without global support, this biodiversity is at risk. Deforestation, poaching, and irresponsible tourism threaten to unravel a 65-million-year-old ecosystem.
3. Cultural Wealth: The Soul of Asia in One Island
Let’s be honest: globalization has made everything feel the same.
Same malls. Same coffee. Same playlists.
Sri Lanka, though? Still unique. Still raw. Still rooted.
It holds:
- 2,500+ years of unbroken civilization
- Four major religions practiced in peace (most of the time)
- Centuries-old healing practices, dances, rituals, and languages that still breathe
This is not just “heritage.” It’s a cultural reservoir for a world starving for meaning.
Sri Lanka’s storytelling tradition is rich — from ancient epics like the Mahavamsa to modern cinema that confronts war, identity, and forgiveness. Its architecture, crafts, cuisine, and costumes are testaments to its multicultural layers.
4. Moral Memory: A Cautionary Tale and a Comeback Story
The world needs Sri Lanka because it’s a living reminder of what happens when:
- Democracies are treated like personal businesses
- Ethnic divisions are ignored until they explode
- Debt is traded for sovereignty
- Politicians forget that they are servants, not saviors
But it’s also a story of resilience.
Sri Lankans protest. They vote. They cry. They rebuild. And then they smile again — somehow, always smiling again.
The 2022 Aragalaya (people’s uprising) was not just a political movement. It was a masterclass in peaceful resistance. It made the world pause. It made dictators tremble. It made democracy feel alive again.
5. Spiritual Capital: Inner Peace in a World of Panic
The modern world is anxious, overmedicated, and overwhelmed.
Sri Lanka is a balancing energy:
- Thousands of temples, churches, mosques, and kovils.
- People who still believe in blessings, not just brand names.
- They pray before a journey and say “ayubowan” (may you live long) like a heartbeat.
In an age of burnout, Sri Lanka offers a sanctuary.
From silent Buddhist retreats in Kandy to Hindu fire rituals in the East, from Catholic processions in Negombo to Sufi music in Batticaloa — it’s a spiritual mosaic that heals the soul.
6. Diaspora Diplomacy: Sri Lankans Everywhere, Building Bridges
The Sri Lankan diaspora — doctors, scientists, engineers, artists — are everywhere.
From:
- UN peacekeeping missions
- WHO medical research
- Silicon Valley startups
- Michelin-starred kitchens
- Bollywood and Hollywood sets
They speak dozens of languages. They adapt. They lead. They connect.
In Canada, Sri Lankan Tamils hold parliament seats. In the UK, Burghers run creative agencies. In Australia, Sinhala-speaking school kids top state exams.
The diaspora is not just sending remittances. It’s sending credibility.
7. Intellectual Grit: Smart People, Stupidly Ignored
Sri Lanka has one of the highest literacy rates in South Asia — over 92%.
It produces top global talent in medicine, engineering, accounting, and the arts.
But often, they must leave to succeed. Why? Because the world funds Sri Lanka to survive, but never invests in it to thrive.
That’s changing — and must.
Sri Lanka doesn’t need handouts. It needs partners.
The world should not treat it as a fragile pet project but as a capable collaborator.
Final Thought: Don’t Just Visit Sri Lanka — Understand It
Sri Lanka isn’t just a pretty island. It’s a mirror for the world.
It shows us:
- The risks of short-term thinking.
- The costs of ignoring inequality.
- The beauty of holding on to your soul while everything burns.
It’s not just worth visiting. It’s worth protecting, investing in, and learning from.
So the next time someone says, “Sri Lanka? Isn’t that where the crisis happened?”
You tell them:
“No. That’s where the comeback is happening.”
Coming Soon: My Sri Lanka – Part 9
“Hoppers, Humility, and Hustle: Everyday Genius of Sri Lankans”
About the Author
John is an entrepreneur, strategist, and founder of JS Morlu, LLC, a Virginia based CPA firm with multiple software ventures including www.FinovatePro.com, www.Recksoft.com and www.Fixaars.com . With operations spanning multiple countries, John is on a mission to build global infrastructure that empowers small businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals to thrive in an increasingly competitive world. He believes in hard truths, smart execution, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. When he’s not writing or building, he’s challenging someone to a productivity contest—or inventing software that automates it.
